A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Proverbs 16:9, NKJV
When describing a team’s chance of advancing, we sometimes say, “They control their own destiny.” By this we mean a team will succeed if they simply defeat their opponents with no regard for the outcome of any other games. While understood in this limited sense, the idea that we control our own destiny nevertheless smacks of presumption. God controls destiny.
God created man both free and responsible. He is not a puppet master pulling the strings of His marionettes. God fulfills His plan in us without controlling our every action. Cruise ship tourists may sit on the deck, swim in the pool, or visit the buffet, but no matter their plans, the Captain steers the ship safely into the harbor. Human beings make free and meaningful choices in life, but nobody controls their own destiny.